{"id":9672,"date":"2026-10-29T12:47:36","date_gmt":"2026-10-29T17:47:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9672"},"modified":"2026-10-29T12:47:38","modified_gmt":"2026-10-29T17:47:38","slug":"tools-for-school-from-high-school-support-to-college-self-advocacy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9672","title":{"rendered":"Tools for School: From High School Support to College Self-Advocacy"},"content":{"rendered":"<!--powerpress_player--><div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_7168\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-9672-1\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/blindabilities\/ToolsForSchool2026CollegePanel.mp3?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/blindabilities\/ToolsForSchool2026CollegePanel.mp3\">https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/blindabilities\/ToolsForSchool2026CollegePanel.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Podcast Summary:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">What does college look like when you\u2019re blind or have low vision? Maddy and Ben bring that question to life with honest stories, practical advice, and encouragement for students preparing for their next chapter. In this Tools for School episode, hosted by Minnesota State Services for the Blind, they explore choosing a college, navigating campus, managing course loads, and discovering the freedom\u2014and responsibility\u2014of greater independence. Maddy shares her journey from community college to the University of Minnesota, while Ben reflects on rebuilding his independence after losing his sight and graduating with law school ahead. Their experiences highlight assistive technology, tutoring, financial support, and advocating for accessible coursework. Students will find relatable voices and useful strategies, while parents and teachers will gain insight into supporting independence. From learning unfamiliar routes to documenting accommodation requests, this conversation offers a realistic, hopeful look at building confidence and finding your place in college.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Links of Interests:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mn.gov\/deed\/ssb\/teens\/news.jsp\">The Spectacle Newsletter<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/mn.gov\/deed\/ssb\/teens\/\">Youth Services at SSB<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To find out more about the services provided at State Services for the Blind, and what they can do for you, contact Shane DeSantis at&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:shane.desantis@state.mn.us\">shane.desantis@state.mn.us<\/a>&nbsp;or call Shane at&nbsp;651-385-5205.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?page_id=9669\">Full Transcript<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<!--powerpress_player--><div class=\"powerpress_player\" id=\"powerpress_player_7170\"><audio class=\"wp-audio-shortcode\" id=\"audio-9672-3\" preload=\"none\" style=\"width: 100%;\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"audio\/mpeg\" src=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/blindabilities\/ToolsForSchool2026CollegePanel.mp3?_=3\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/blindabilities\/ToolsForSchool2026CollegePanel.mp3\">https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/blindabilities\/ToolsForSchool2026CollegePanel.mp3<\/a><\/audio><\/div><p>https:\/\/traffic.libsyn.com\/blindabilities\/ToolsForSchool2026CollegePanel.mp3 Podcast Summary: What does college look like when you\u2019re blind or have low vision? Maddy and Ben bring that question to life with honest stories, practical advice, and encouragement for students preparing for their next chapter. In this Tools for School episode, hosted by Minnesota State Services for the Blind, they explore choosing a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":9311,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"audio","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[17,263,559],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9672","post","type-post","status-publish","format-audio","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bapresents","category-college","category-ssb","post_format-post-format-audio"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p6rcRg-2w0","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":8496,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=8496","url_meta":{"origin":9672,"position":0},"title":"From High School to College: Navigating Accommodations and Independence &#8211; Meet the College 101 Panelists, Amy, Arianna, and Maddy","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"November 30, 2024","format":false,"excerpt":"Full Transcript Podcast Summary: In the \u201cCollege 101\u201d webinar hosted by State Services for the Blind of Minnesota, three students, Amy, Arianna, and Maddy, shared their experiences transitioning from high school to college. They discussed the importance of self-advocacy, managing accommodations like extended test times, and utilizing assistive technologies such\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;College&quot;","block_context":{"text":"College","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=263"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":9339,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9339","url_meta":{"origin":9672,"position":1},"title":"Scholarships Don\u2019t Find You\u2014You Find Them: A Student\u2019s Real-World Guide","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"January 26, 2026","format":"audio","excerpt":"Podcast Summary: Applying for scholarships can feel overwhelming, but as Maddy Majors shares in this Blind Abilities episode, the effort is absolutely worth it. Now a college student at the University of Minnesota, Maddy walks listeners through what scholarships really are, how she searched for them, and what the application\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":8642,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=8642","url_meta":{"origin":9672,"position":2},"title":"Peer Perspectives: How SSB Helps Students Build Independence and Explore Careers","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"March 31, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Podcast Summary: This Blind Abilities episode features peer ambassadors Amy and Maddy, who share how Minnesota\u2019s State Services for the Blind (SSB) has supported their educational and vocational journeys. From summer camps to career exploration and technology training, SSB has played a vital role in helping them develop independence, self-advocacy,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":6592,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=6592","url_meta":{"origin":9672,"position":3},"title":"Transitioning from High School to College: A Panel of College Students Take on the Questions from High School Students from a Blindness and Low Vision Perspective","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"March 22, 2021","format":false,"excerpt":"Full Transcript Show Summary: Transitioning from High School to College is a major step towards self-determination and independence. Career choices are made and Colleges and Universities are explored to best fit one\u2019s needs. A group of high school students ask a panel of college students questions to help them understand\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":9069,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9069","url_meta":{"origin":9672,"position":4},"title":"Cruising Through Summer: Next Exit\u2014College","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"July 31, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Podcast Summary: Buckle up for a mid-summer check-in with Peer Ambassadors Amy and Maddy as they reflect on the adventures, growth, and unexpected moments that shaped their summer\u2014and look ahead to the college road just around the bend. From leading mock interviews and connecting with students through Zoom sessions, to\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]},{"id":9234,"url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?p=9234","url_meta":{"origin":9672,"position":5},"title":"Orientation and Mobility: Building Confident Independence for Blind and Low Vision Students","author":"Blind Abilities Team","date":"November 17, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Podcast Summary: Orientation and mobility (O&M) gives blind and low vision students the skills to travel safely, confidently, and independently\u2014at home, at school, and beyond graduation. In this conversation hosted by State Services for the Blind (SSB), O&M specialists Jennifer Pelletier and Abdi Mumin, along with Transition Coordinator Shane DeSantis,\u2026","rel":"","context":"In &quot;BlindAbilities Presents&quot;","block_context":{"text":"BlindAbilities Presents","link":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/?cat=17"},"img":{"alt_text":"BlindAbilities Logo A black square with white initials, B A.","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=350%2C200&ssl=1 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=525%2C300&ssl=1 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=700%2C400&ssl=1 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1050%2C600&ssl=1 3x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Blind-Abilities-Logo.jpg?resize=1400%2C800&ssl=1 4x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/IMG_0035.png","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9672","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=9672"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9672\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9674,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9672\/revisions\/9674"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/9311"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=9672"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=9672"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blindabilities.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=9672"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}